On September 16, 2026, Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris, testified before the Senate's investigation committee regarding the rise in reports of violence in extracurricular activities. Grégoire addressed the committee to discuss the city's response to the issue, emphasizing that he does not believe there is a specific problem unique to Paris. “I don't believe that there is a Parisian specificity,” he stated, according to France3 Regions.
Grégoire also expressed regret over the limitations of the current laws governing the recruitment and training of staff for extracurricular programs. “Je tiens à vous dire mes plus profonds regrets. Personnels d’abord, ceux de la ville de Paris aussi, que je représente institutionnellement,” Grégoire said, according to 20minutes. He noted that the laws do not provide sufficient guidance or resources to ensure the safety and quality of these activities.
The mayor highlighted that the city has not been found in violation of any legal obligations regarding the recruitment of staff. “La Ville n’a jamais été prise en défaut sur le respect des obligations légales de recrutement que lui impose le législateur,” Grégoire stated, according to 20minutes. However, he acknowledged the need for more robust measures to address the ongoing issues.
Currently, 230 investigations are underway to address the reported incidents of violence in extracurricular activities. Grégoire announced that the city has launched a Parisian school for extracurricular activities, aiming to train 100% of agents involved in these programs. This initiative is intended to enhance the quality and safety of extracurricular services provided to children and families.
The Senate's investigation committee continues to gather evidence and hear testimonies from various stakeholders to better understand the challenges and potential solutions for the extracurricular activities sector. The committee's findings will inform future policy decisions aimed at improving the safety and quality of these programs.
The next procedural step is for the committee to review the evidence and recommendations presented during the hearings. The committee will then draft a report outlining its findings and proposed actions.